The Behemoth's Castle Crashers is by all accounts the perfect arcade style co-op game this generation.  It offers catchy visuals, accessibility, and addictive gameplay elements that keep you coming back for more.  When I first saw BattleBlock Theater, the next game from the developer, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it.   It just didn't have that look that sucked you in that Castle Crashers had.  This is definitely a different game and my time with it at PAX East has given be a better understanding of just what BattleBlock Theater is...and isn't.

While we're still waiting on the XBLA-exclusive Double Dragon II remake from Korean developer Gravity Co, Ltd, a separate team on the other side of the world has set their sights on remaking the original Double Dragon for both XBLA and PSN. The new game, Double Dragon: Neon comes from Wayforward Technologies (makers of Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Contra 4) and Majesco. Like Double Dragon II: Wander of the Dragons, this one uses the original game as a template, switching to a 3D engine and revamping the actual fighting mechanics. Neon takes many more creative liberties with the source material, and thus Majesco calls it a "radical reinvention" rather than just a remake.

Publishers release demos of new and upcoming games all the time - it's expected these days. But French developer Asobo and Microsoft have done something unusual for Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure. They've released a Kinect Rush-themed Kinect Fun Labs gadget called Kinect Rush Snapshot. Not only is Snapshot free, but the included Achievements make it worth downloading even if you already own the retail title.

Once more, we take a look back at some co-op gems from the past. Both of today's video offerings are Sega Genesis (or Mega Drive, the international equivalent) games. My own experience with the Genesis was quite limited, so both of these were new to me. Step back into the 16-bit era as we investigate sci-fi brawler Alien Storm and platform/shmup hybrid Wonder Boy 3.

We have ourselves a DLC worth investing in! Why? Because we don’t have to invest anything besides the time it takes to download it! Mass Effect 3’s “Resurgence Pack” will be available this Tuesday for free, just as long as you own an online pass.

From the looks of things, Pokémon has taken another shift in its gameplay. Nintendo’s upcoming 3DS title, Pokémon Conquest, is looking much like a Final Fantasy Tactics rather than the normal Turn-based RPG we have grown rather accustomed to.

Swing an imaginary lightsaber around, pilot a racing pod, and even dance with the cast of Star Wars in this eclectic Kinect title. Does Kinect Star Wars lean more towards the light or dark side of the force? We'll tell you in our co-op review.

A new Rock Band game is on the way; apparently, reports of the death of the music game genre were greatly exaggerated. The latest entry into the series, though, is a drastic departure from form. You won't need any plastic instruments to play it, and, sadly, co-op is gone, as well.

Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes a new batch of big budget movie sequels, re-boots, and their inevitable gaming tie-ins. Men In Black 3 is such a movie, and Men In Black: Alien Crisis is such game. We don't know too much about it, other than you'll be playing as Man-In-Black-in-training, Peter Delacouer, who I'm assuming will be named simply "P," if he makes the cut. Get it? It's a pee joke. High humor, indeed.

This weekend some of the Co-Optimus staff is hitting PAX East. Those of us left behind are playing a pastiche of games. We'll be doing some casual iPading, ambitious backlogging, vigorous Kinecting, lackadaisical vacationing, and "radiant historing," whatever that is.

Fantastic news, everyone! The Co-Optimus mobile app is now available at the iTunes store! Stay connected with all of Co-Optimus' co-op gaming news, reviews, and massive database. Our filter system will help you find the right cooperative game for you and your friends. Search our mobile app's database to find out if a game meets all of your co-op requirements, or enter in all of your friendly gaming wants and needs to discover which games make the grade.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the highly-anticipated sequel to Sonic 4, has a release date at last. And when I say that, I don’t mean just the XBLA and PSN versions have release dates. The PC and Windows Phone ports have them too! Even better news is that owners of both episodes will receive an extra-special bonus that harkens back to the days of Sonic & Knuckles. It's like Christmas in July.